Common forestry hazards and how you can help reduce the risk!

1. Hazards in the
Forestry Industry!

2. Noise
Did you know there are regulations that set exposure limits to noise? Yes!
Noise levels in forestry are often high risks, here is what you can do:
Noise levels should be considered prior to purchasing
equipment
Supplying hearing protection like ear plugs or headsets to
workers
Consider the amount of exposure to noise and schedule
appropriate rotation of tasks and rest breaks

3. UV EXPOSURE
During work in the sun, especially summer season, your workers may be
exposed to sun for long periods of time… here is how you can help:
Workers should wear light weight long-sleeve
clothing as well as hard hats, appropriate amount
of sunscreen and sunglasses
Work in shaded areas if the area of work offers it
Rotate workers to reduce consistent exposure and
reschedule to early mornings or late afternoons to
avoid hours of high sun contact

4. Fatigue
If your workers are mentally and physically tired, risks to health and safety can
arise! Fatigue can occur when workers are taking on tasks that require long
periods of mental focus. Here is how you can help:
Using newer equipment and adapting work
practices that reduce longer periods of work
that require more mental focus
Making sure your workers have the necessary
amount of fluids and nutritional foods to keep
them energized
Allowing rest breaks to avoid the build up of
fatigue

5. Working Alone
Sometimes it may seem like a good idea to get work done alone, ‘more can get done
with less distractions’ right? Think again! Working alone can create some serious
hazards. In the event of injury – someone needs to be there to assist. Ask yourself these
questions before allowing yourself or someone else tackle a task alone:
Can this job truly be controlled by one person?
Does this job require lifting objects or equipment that could be
too heavy for one person?
Does the equipment require more than one person to
operate?
Is there a safe enter and exit point in an event of an injury or
emergency for one person?

6. Extreme weather
conditions
Regardless of weather, most jobs have a deadline that requires to continue the
task right through the extreme weather. As tough as we can be, sometimes
weather can create more hazards and problems than expected. Here’s what to
know:
Cease the job operation if weather conditions
become unsafe to continue – safety comes first!
In cold conditions, provide enclosed heated cabins
and make sure everyone has on suitable protective
clothing
Be aware of extreme winds that could put workers
in danger of tipping or falling objects and
equipment

7. Safety first, always!
You now have access to a lot of information to help you and others stay safe
during the job. The more knowledge you have, the more you are able to
control events – always be aware of the state of your workers and mother
nature. Keep risks low at all times and always revert to the correct resources if
you are unsure!
Learn more here